Microsoft said Thursday that it has landed a deal to help NBC Universal sell television ads.

Starting this fall, NBC will make some of its national and cable advertising inventory available for Microsoft to sell via its Admira system, which uses demographic data to help ad buyers reach the market segments they are seeking.

The two companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. The TV ad market is yet another area where Microsoft finds itself in competition with Google, although both are upstarts trying to shake up the traditional means of buying and selling television ads. Internet auction site eBay also tried its hand in this market, but decided to focus its resources elsewhere.

NBC had been kicking the tires on Admira since March, using it to sell ads in the Los Angeles area.

"Our initial test of the system in L.A. is off to a great start," NBC local media executive Frank Comerford said in a statement. "Admira provides us with the potential to help attract an entirely new segment of advertisers to the local marketplace, particularly small and mid-size businesses that might not otherwise be able to buy local television station advertising, which is a huge leap forward."

About the author

During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina.
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